In the dark days at the beginning of the Second World War, a mood of impending doom and impotence hung over Britain. Churchill decided to create an unorthodox special unit - elite irregulars of the “hunter” class - who would have the license to operate outside normal military rules. Misfits and buccaneers, this eclectic “band of brothers” proved highly effective.

They struck deep behind enemy lines in daring raiding parties, providing not only military advantage, but also providing the civilian population with some much needed good news and glamour.

This four part series features moving testimony from Commando veterans, rare archive film and evocative reconstructions.